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I found your article response to be well thought out and very real. I liked how you spoke about wanting to incorporate the students' home life and you want to make learning fun. It is so important to remember where our students come from and how that makes them different.

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FOK comment for Marisol Mena by Sara Can

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FOK comment for Marisol Mena by Sara Can

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I loved your post. It was so well thought out and I could not agree with you more with your thoughts. I loved how you spoke about the understanding of complex backgrounds of all children inside the classroom. It truly shows how hard you are going to work for your students and it will show in your teaching. Nowadays students are being stereotyped and we as educators must try and break a that habit of labeling students.

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By: Sara Can
As I began to read the article it immediately showed me that you can never judge a book by its cover. Often times, you are never truly aware of what is going on in ones life. Everyone is coming from a different background and we must be aware of that. I would apply an understanding of Funds Of Knowledge inside of my classroom by allowing myself to take the time and get to know everyones diverse backgrounds. You never truly know what anyone goes through in their Homelife and I know if I took the time to understand my students diverse backgrounds it would benefit me so much. As a future educator, I know I am someone who is going to shape my students lives and I truly see the major role I will play in their lives. My main goal as a future educator, I hope to allow my students to feel the connection I had with my teachers. The sense of trust and respect they gave me as a student. As a future educator, I hope to learn take the knowledge I gain from FOK and apply it into every aspect of my classroom.

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Marisol, I agree with you 100% when you say that your biggest takeaway was being able to see beyond stereotypes. I believe that every teacher needs to incorporate this into the classroom so that there are no bias' while in the learning environment. I also thought it was great that you strive towards a more in depth way to get to know students. I think it is important to be able to know your students inside and out so that you are creating a way for everyone to excel.

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I agree that applying the FOK into teaching is a great way to gain a better understanding of social relationships. I think it is great that you are an educator already and you are able to see beyond stereotypes because I believe that is an amazing trait to possess. I also think that learning more about household practices is a great way to further your knowledge about your students.

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The thing that I took most from this article is that every student has a different background outside of a classroom. I believe that it is important to remember that each student we will have comes from a different background and that background may not be shown while at school or in the school setting. The article talked about taking into account multiple spheres of activity that the child has and then seeing the child as a person rather than a student. I believe that is especially important in a time like this where you need to know more about a child's background and where they are growing up since the learning environment is at their house. While I was in undergrad, I learned the importance of seeing a child and where they grow up because I was a social work major and we had to do home checks for certain kids. I felt as though it was important to see how they are living to determine how to help them, as this would be helpful now also to see how you could change a lesson plan to accommodate a child while he/she is learning from home. I am not an educator yet but I believe that I will apply this knowledge by making sure that I can learn more about each child and what I can do to make their learning experience more fulfilling regardless of outside factors.

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Hi Olivia!
I agree that this article helped create awareness of other students are creating an inclusive environment for students and their families. I agree that parents and families that are involved in their student's education make a difference. Though I know some parents are unable to get involved even if they want to. There must be ways to allow all parents and families to become involved in small ways. At least we as educators need to get to know the students at an individual level.

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Hi Anastasia!
I enjoyed reading your takeaway. I agree with you that it is important to go beyond the stereotype and that there is room for improvement especially when it come to inclusion of all students in the classroom. It is great that you celebrate Chinese New Year and Dia de los Muertos. These are great opportunities to include for students share about their cultures and become aware of their peers cultures.

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What I took away from this article is to get to know your students, not just inside the classroom but also outside. Also, getting to know their family life will help the teacher better understand the student and how they learn. Another thing that stood out to me and I found interesting was the “seeing beyond the stereotypes” part of the article. I found it eye-opening when the report stated, “Anglo students may spend their summers in France, and we make a big deal about it, by asking them to speak to the class about their summer activities. Carlos spends his summers in Magdalena, yet he’s probably rarely been asked to share his experience with anyone.” This broke my heart and made me want to do better as a teacher because this experience that Carlos goes through every summer is super important to him and his family and should be celebrated within the classroom just like all the other students who went away for the summer. Later on, they explained how the two teachers used this knowledge for an excellent instructional activity. How I would apply FOK in my classroom, I would love to do an “all about my family” project or something along the lines of that. Where I can get to know the students and their families from the very beginning turning that knowledge into lesson plans about different cultures, experiences, celebrations, etc.; lastly, keep the line of communication open between me, my students, and their parents. As a preschool educator, I feel like I’m doing pretty well under the FOK lease, but there are always things that I can improve on. We already spend a lot of time learning about different cultures and celebrations within my classroom, such as Chinese New Year and Dia De Los Muertos, which most of my kids celebrate. So we spend a great deal of time learning about those celebrations. I want to learn more about other cultures and their festivals to improve and do better for my students. 

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Hi there Clara! Your post had some great takeaways and i enjoyed reading it. I like how you mentioned the importance of teaching your students how social relationships play a large role in the development and exchange of resources. This is crucial because in a classroom if one student is better at one thing for instance reading out loud and the other is better at comprehension perhaps the two working together will be a great way to cultivate an environment where both are using their "resources" to help one another. Something along those lines of students coming together and sharing knowledge, skills, and labor would be make for a really great classroom! :)

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Hi Anton! I really enjoyed reading your post. Great reference to the text with your quote. Your example of an actual experience of a teacher using FOK practices was a wonderful insight on the importance of it, and how it can positively play out in a classroom! Also,  you choosing to stay local and already connecting to the kids is such an amazing start. You seem to have this FOK stuff down and you are going to do great things in your own classroom! :)

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Hi Cristina, I enjoyed reading your take away. Finding common ground with our students is the most important thing we can do, an engaged student is a student whom is learning. It was awesome reading about how the families became engaged as well, I really liked how you mentioned having an open mind and disregarding assumptions or prejudice in your own classroom I hope to do the same!

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Marianne, it was awesome reading about how the same thing that stood out to me from the article about "only a part of that child is present in the classroom" which is definitely something we as educators must never forget. The article only adds to this statement on how we must study household practices in order to get to know our students better which will help benefit their education, just like how we have lives outside of the classroom, our students do too.

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After reading the article a take away would be why the term "Funds of knowledge" is used being to refer to historically accumulated and culturally developed bodies of knowledge and skills essential for household and individual functioning and well-being. One way I might apply an understanding of FOK in my classroom is by teaching my students how these social relationships facilitate the development and exchange of resources including knowledge, skills and labor. As an educator I view myself as someone whom will see beyond stereotypes, experiment with practice as well as study household practices in order to get to know my students better.

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I agree that building rapport with your students is important. It starts with validating your students lives outside the classroom. I fell many students are aware from an early age that teachers do not have a full grasps on their students lives. However, by showing interest and showing that you care about their personal lives lets the students know that you will not stop caring once they leave the classroom. Sadly not all students experience a caring adult in their lives, making school a sanctuary in which they can be open and free to learn and explore.

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I agree that teaching does not stop once the students leave the classroom. Equally important is a positive spiritual example for students, and not just from a religious stand point. Spiritually teaches students about self and makes them aware of their actions. The modern classroom lacks spiritually and it is refreshing to hear someone speak openly about bringing spiritually into their classroom.

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I too believe teaching does not stop once the students leave the classroom. I also feel it vital that students have a spiritual connection and are comfortable with spiritual guidance from teachers and adults (in their lives) alike. It's not simply religion either, its an over all understanding of self that spiritually fosters. Teaching the connection and awareness of spiritually is something the modern classroom lacks.

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Victor,
You highlighted an important aspect of being a teacher that I 100 percent agree with, open communication with parents. This might be the most important thing to have with our students. We as teachers need to have that open and clear communication with our students parents because we need to have parents that are informed in the whole process. As a future Education Specialist myself, I understand and want my parents involved with I.E.P's and the like. The more we know our parents and where they are coming from, the better the out come will be for our students.

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Great response Marianne,
This is one aspect to stick out to me as well. It is important to acknowledge that we only see one aspect of our students inside of the classroom. This might not be the students comfort zone and we might not see the whole student. It is important to make conscious efforts to remove barriers and get to genuinely know the students in our classroom.
Rene Casanova

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After reading the article, there were two things really stuck out to me. First, is the importance of build rapport with your students. And second, is acknowledging other roles that students have outside the classroom. The article highlights that when the teacher, Cathy, first went to speak with the parents she began with simply getting to know the parents. This is important because as we move into our classroom and have our own students, this is probably one of the most important things we can do with our students. This goes along with building procedures and routine for our students. The other aspect that hit a nerve was, the way that the article highlighted specific roles that these kids in Arizona maintain. The author states that teachers need to acknowledge the many roles that the students have outside the classroom. In a broader sense, our students have many more responsibilities outside of the classroom. What we see in the classroom is only one aspect, it is only one sided. If we get to know our students, by building rapport, we then open the possibilities of seeing what other roles they perform. And by doing this, we can incorporate that into what lessons we are teaching our students.

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I really liked what you had to say about "genuine relationships" and that it is so important to create a safe learning environment. What do you do when you encounter a student that comes from an abusive or fractured family? How do you create a safe environment in the classroom, when a child may not feel safe at home? I think we will all face this issue unfortunately. Will our safe spaces in class make up for the fractured home life? I can only hope so with a caring teacher like you are going to be.

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Comment on Mariel Castillo's post on the FOK

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Comment on Mariel Castillo's post on the FOK

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I agree with your post that we should get to know the parents of our students to gain a better relationship with the student. However, what do you do when a parent does not want to get involved or does not want to share their home life with you? How does this impact the child and fok in the classroom? How would you include that child in the activities?

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The Golden Nugget that stood out to me in the article was this simple, yet powerful statement, “Only a part of that child is present in the classroom”. A child’s education does not define the entire child. Their world, like Carlos’ world, is made up of so much more. His family, culture, and needs dictate what his world is like. His cultural experiences influence his everyday life beyond school. Carlos is given opportunities and freedom to explore and create ways in which he fills his needs. He benefits from this, as well as his family. He is actively contributing to the well being of his family financially and emotionally. His education is not only supported by his family but encouraged. Outside of the classroom, Carlos is allowed to use his creativity and knowledge learned in school to sell candy and much more.  By modeling this lifestyle, Carlos is learning what it is like to work hard, and flourish. He is gaining knowledge and self-confidence that can transfer over into his education, and eventually his adult life. He has been motivated to work hard because he knows there is a reward for him when completing the task.

I would apply the funds of knowledge in the classroom with a multitude of culturally based activities. By exchanging knowledge about the background of each student and their family lives, I would be able to develop lesson plans that would not only educate the students about each other but would also interest them in becoming engaged participants in learning.

As I am not an Educator yet, I view myself more as a student. However, I imagine that when I am an Educator, I would be open and willing to collaborate with my fellow Educators and students to apply the funds of knowledge in the classroom.

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My takeaway is the change the field research had on the lives of not just the teacher but also the community.  The more they learned about the lives of their students and their families, the more the teacher was able to incorporate it into her classroom.  The students became more engaged and so did their families.  I would like to do the same in incorporating the students' home life into the classroom.  If I want to make learning fun, I need to bring topics that matter to them into the lesson.  The way the students became involved in their learning, is something I want to have in my classroom.  My goal is to be more open to my students and families.  I want to maintain an open mind and disregard assumptions or prejudices.

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The part of this article that I found the most important personally was the importance of getting to know the families and where the student comes from to get to know who they are as a person and not just someone in your class. Parents being involved in their child's education can make all the difference. Students whose parents are involved in their education and care about it tend to do better in school and are more motivated to do it. It is also important to get to know each child in order to adjust the class content so that needs and interests are met for all the students and so that the students are always engaged. It's important to know the parents and the home to understand where a child comes from and what additional resources they may need. Overall I thought this article was very helpful and taught me things to keep in mind when I'm an educator one day.

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Great post Marisol. I loved the observation about the issue of stereotyping in the classroom. I feel we are all guilty of stereotyping in our everyday lives, even if it isn't purposefully. I think it just has to do with how our brains are wired, but it can definitely be detrimental to a student in the classroom so it is our responsibility to always be aware of it. Great job.

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I agree with you that it would be beneficial to have an icebreaker activity for students as well as teachers to get to know one another as a person and discover their interests, families, etc. Great idea for a future classroom activity. Great post.

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I as well believe we as educators need to first earn our students trust "confianza" and start of by doing multicultural activities to get to know the different heritages. In addition being an open educator is really helpful because students do have different backgrounds and are educated differently at home, so if we are open, we can understand their characteristics and traits.

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I agree with you Marisol, as the educators we need to understand our children's complex background. Also, just like you mention I believe a great teacher should be well understanding and compassionate, so keep up the good work.

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-FOK Golden nugget-

One takeaway from the article is we as teachers or future teachers should gain trust from our students in order for them to talk, participate, and have fun through the classroom sessions. In addition, to apply the FOK in my classroom I would first give an assignment to all the students were they need to describe and talk about their life, what they like, don’t like, and their family. Also, I would have lots of communication with parents because just like the article states, having communication with every students parents, knowing about their life, family, and background is very effective to construct activities that will engage all students equally. Finally, through the FOK lens I believe even though I am not a teacher, personally as a Health instructional assistant, I have been doing great since after school I communicate with every parent and have a great relationship, which has helped improve my students education.

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It's impressive to see that you a had a personal experience where a teacher would go out of their way to make personal connections with families. It helps to see those examples of positive educators. When I was an assistant in a classroom I had several experiences that weren't so positive and it also helped shape my mindset for what I DON'T want to do. I like what you said about being organic and not forced, I have also seen that and children can tell when their teachers aren't being real, and it will impact how they connect.

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I could not agree with you anymore! I constantly see this "single stranded" student/ teacher relationship, and know that there is more to that child that the teacher may be overlooking. It is far too often that the teacher will judge a child based on how they are in the classroom and don't give much importance to their outside world and what could be happening at home. I see this most often with children who are labeled as "difficult, distracted, unmotivated, etc" everyone has a story to tell and as teachers it is crucial for us to see what could be the cause for this classroom behaviors.

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As educators, it is always important to understand the complex backgrounds of all the children in your classroom. What resonated with me from this article is the importance of "seeing beyond stereotypes" and how by doing so it will help you in your classroom. I have always stressed the importance of applying this in the classroom. In the classrooms that I have worked in before, I have too many times seen how the stereotypes that children are labeled with have done more harm to their education than good. In my own classroom I will strive to go beyond the regular "get to know me" criteria, to listen, understand, talk to families, anything to help that child flourish in my classroom. I view myself as an understanding and compassionate educator, who will strive to see past the stereotypes of the children in my classroom and understand their differences. We can do so much if we dedicate time to getting to know our children not just how they are in the classroom setting.

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When I think about my ideal future teacher self I think about so many fun activities families/parents/ guardians can do with their students in school. I enjoy involving families because its an eye opener to see how students communicate and behave outside the classroom doors. When I was younger my school used to do multicultural day where everyone had an opportunity to display their family with a traditional dish or be able to portray their culture for that particular day. As educators we continuously are in the role to educate students, but there is always a wide open door for students and families to educate us.

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I really liked your motto to accomplish students learning outside of school, not particularly just in school. I really admire having communication with parents and family members that continue to be apart of our students lives. As educators we learn a lot from the members of the family that pick a child up. Having that communication helps us understand a student better. I like to think of it as a social learning bubble. I wish you the best in finding a small community to work with in your endeavors.

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A takeaway from the article was a section that highlighted the importance of having knowledge on creating "trust/ confinza". Which was really embedded with the foundation that in order to give students a learning opportunity is to be able to understand and acknowledge their culture and family dynamics. Their research conducted in the article was actually really relevant to the variety of students I had in my after-school program classroom. I would apply an understanding to FOK by doing a multicultural activities to appropriately take inconsideration all the different heritages students bring. Displaying the importance of a non-judging environment, by having an understanding that it is okay to be different. I view myself as an open educator, because I am aware students come from many different backgrounds and their educational needs can be completely different. I think that is an important factor to bring into education, especially in today's society.

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I love your takeaway that teachers should look beyond stereotypes. Although remote learning has been a difficult transition, I think that it is a great opportunity to not only involve the family, but get to know the family. My brother (who is 4) has classmates whose parents are very active in guiding the children in what to do. It is also very easy to see the family dynamic through the remote learning platform. I think as an educator, it is important for us to recognize and understand what are students are encountering at home! :)

Agreed, Monica!!! This is a great opportunity to engage in family learning and literacy. I think it will do much to bridge some of the home/school gaps. MM

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I love your commitment to building trust in the classroom. I agree, I think love and trust are important structures to be in place, so that students can learn. I am sorry that your teachers did not build relationships with you and your family, but I am so happy for your future students!

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I hope to be an educator that takes advantage of the Funds of Knowledge, especially those found in the households of the students. I believe in teaching the whole child, and that includes the parents and/or family. In my schools, the family was always involved. However, I have a feeling that was because of the town I lived in and how small the community was. I hope to teach in similar places, but even if I do not, I will take the strategy of Funds of Knowledge wherever I go. In my ministry inside the classroom and outside. Teaching doesn't stop once the students exit the classroom doors! :)

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Comment on Megan's post: Mariel Castillo 

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Comment on Megan's post: Mariel Castillo 

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I agree with you and how growing up for me, my teachers did not take the time to involve our families in the classroom. However, it is great that as future educators we will be able to change this and involve our students' families in the classroom.

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Comment on Nadine's post: Mariel Castillo 

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Comment on Nadine's post: Mariel Castillo 

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Nadine, I liked that you talked about the importance of teachers creating the bridge between students and their families. I also feel that as future educators this concept is really important for us to  implement in the classroom. I really liked how you mentioned to not make assumptions about students. This is important and it is best to get to know students personally.

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Funds of Knowledge Golden Nugget: Mariel Castillo

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Funds of Knowledge Golden Nugget: Mariel Castillo

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One takeaway from the article was the importance of teachers looking beyond stereotypes. Like the article said, many teachers are not aware of their students and their families and what kinds of things they bring into the classroom. Therefore, it is important for teachers to build a bridge between their students and their families and how they can involve their knowledge in the classroom. I can apply Funds of Knowledge in the classroom by getting to know my students and their families more and finding ways to incorporate them in the classroom. I can also invite students' parents on different days of the week and include them in a classroom activity. As an educator, I view myself through the FOK lens as someone who understands the importance that every student brings something different to the classroom. Their experiences at home and with their families shape them into who they are. It is important for me to understand where they come from and try my best to get to know each one of them.

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Anton, After reading your post, I really liked how you mentioned the importance of getting to know your students in their home setting rather than just the class setting. Students in their home setting may act differently and this might help the teacher understand their personality and behavior on a more personal level. Parents might also start to gain trust if they know you are being active in not only the child's academic life but home life as well. Great post!

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Comment on Nadine's Post: Megan Shockey 

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Comment on Nadine's Post: Megan Shockey 

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Nadine, I really enjoyed reading your post and how you stressed the importance of truly getting to know who your students are as individuals. This in return will create an environment where students trust and build a relationship with you and will not be afraid to open up. Great post!

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The biggest takeaway from the article was the contrast between classroom and household learning and the fractured stereotypes researchers left with. It makes sense that a teacher in a home setting will know the student as a “whole person” rather than just a student; giving them deeper awareness and ability to be more flexible to meet the student’s needs. The children in these households were not passive, “but active participants in a broad range of activities mediated by these social relationships” (Moll p. 134).
In my classroom I hope to emulate, as best I can, an environment that allows my students to become active participants. My previous experience as an ASRD aide really connected FOK concepts for me. I worked in a kindergarten class where the teacher would regularly visit the homes of students and make real, personal connections with parents every chance she had. I always wondered why parent participation was so high and how the teacher seemed to know her students on such a personal level. She was practicing what the FOK teachers and anthropologists research uncovered. She regularly asked students about trips to Mexico, speaking Spanish when appropriate even though she was Chinese.
Viewing myself through the FOK lens I would see myself as an educator that understands the importance of connecting to students and their parents on a level that is organic and not forced. Everyday I try to relate to my students via shared hobbies, interests, and even skills that I have. I specifically choose to work in my local district in order to connect my home and neighborhood with my classroom.

What a great opportunity to work with a teacher who made getting to know her students' families and their FOK such a high priority. Glad that you are choosing to follow suit. MM

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Upon reading the article I was left with many insightful takeaways. One that stood out to me was the power the teacher held on creating the bridge from her student, to the students family to even begin the process of their pedagogical work. Also, I liked the concept of understanding students as "multi-stranded" individuals, rather than single stranded. This understanding can be crucial to the development of a strong student/teacher relationship and will influence the students success. I will apply my understanding of Funds of Knowledge in my classroom by creating an environment where the exchange of every students (and my own) FOK are freely flowing throughout the room. Not only will these allow me to get to know them, but they will also learn about each other. I see myself as a Glade plugin and my students are the scent attached that will flow throughout the air and infuse together. Through the FOK lens I view myself as an educator that understands the way anthropology/ethnography play a significant role in a students development. If I do not take the time to understand and care for my students and WHO they are as individuals how can i expect them to succeed? I cannot make assumptions if I care about their academic development, I should take the time to  get to know them each!

" . . . creating the bridge from her students . . . " This is a great concept, Nadine. If we see ourselves, as teachers, building bridges between where students & their families are and the skills, tools and information they need to navigate their worlds, that changes the frame from "teaching content." Worthy of deeper consideration! MM

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I bring my spirituality, background knowledge from another field. With my children, I incorporate our Chicano/ American culture. Lastly, i am always family oriented.

Wonderful values and traits to bring ot the classroom, Rene. Creating a family environment in your classroom will make it a safe space for all children to learn. Your future students will be lucky to have you! MM

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Funds of Knowledge Golden Nugget: Megan Shockey  

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Funds of Knowledge Golden Nugget: Megan Shockey  

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After reading the article, one thing that I took away from it was when the author was talking about the importance of building a teacher/student relationship and how typical teacher/student relationships seem single stranded, where the teacher only knows the student based off of their performance. I found this to be true with most teacher I had growing up. They did not take time to get to know family environment or how that child's house was run which made it hard to make connections. Children are more than just their academic performance. I also liked reading about the importance of after school settings where teachers can build trusting relationships with their child's family. I also enjoyed reading about household research and how it can help a teacher develop better classroom practices. I will apply my understanding of this article in my future classroom by making a conscious effort to have these interviews and meetings the teachers in the article did to ensure the children in my class feel trusted and supported with their own background and embrace that. As an educator, I view myself through the FOK lens as someone who understands the significance of creating genuine relationships with my students and families and creates a safe environment for learning!

Agreed, Megan. Families and children will feel valued as you make it a purpose to get to know them, and that will support your classroom and build community. Important work that is worthy of the time and attention required. MM

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coming from a diverse background and welcoming different culture in our family.

Hi Marianne, I'm proud of you for hanging in there and coming back. You have such a wealth of experience and knowledge that will absolutely serve you as a teacher. I am grateful we have the chance to work together this semester.
MM

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1 gen- I don't speak spanish.
I come from a close family.
I have currently worked as a IA for the past 5 years. I believe that I come with an open mind and ready to grow and learn from this class.

I love this picture, Arlene (cute pose, great hat, and love your dog. I'm definitely a dog person). I am certain that your experiences working as an IA are invaluable and will definitely serve you well when you are the full-time teacher. MM

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Something I bring to the classroom is creativity. I wouldn't have mentioned creativity as my main fund of knowledge if I hadn't started sub-teaching this past school year. In the classroom you need to be able to change direction quickly and keep the classroom focused. Coming from a creative background before changing careers to teaching helps more than I thought it would have. 

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Something I bring to the classroom is creativity. I wouldn't have mentioned creativity as my main fund of knowledge if I hadn't started sub-teaching this past school year. In the classroom you need to be able to change direction quickly and keep the classroom focused. Coming from a creative background before changing careers to teaching helps more than I thought it would have. 

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Agreed, Anton!!! Teaching is as much an art as it is a science. I, too, have had to learn and develop my creativity as a teacher, never more so than in this remote-learning world! MM

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Growing up I was always taught family is first and we should never give up on one another, so during my time at school I have seen my classmates as family and like to support and help them when needed.

I love this perspective, Victor. Never give up, and we are here in community and family. I certainly share that sentiment, and look forward to getting to know you better. MM

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I believe something I can bring to the table is my background in social work. I did my bachelors and emphasis in child welfare. I learned a lot about inclusion and also warning signs of things in the household.

That is a terrific background, Kara. Did you have an opportunity to work in the field? Maybe when there's an opportunity, you can do a mini-presentation about warning signs for us to watch for. MM

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She/hers. The values that I have learned from my family, such as respect, loyalty, and communication are qualities I bring to the classroom. Speaking fluent Spanish and being able to connect with Spanish-speaking families is important to me.

Estoy celosa. Han pasado mucho años que he estado aprendiendo español. AY! And those values you mentioned will position you perfectly to be a great teacher. Nice to meet you, Mariel! MM

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1st generation; raised bilingual English/Spanish
married to Brazilian man and learning Portuguese; raising my two month old to be multilingual
taught in various bilingual/dual language programs

Your son is certainly growing up in a language-rich, cultural-rich household. Talk about funds of knowledge!!!! So glad to be able to work with you, Erika, and I look forward to learning more about your experiences as a teacher and support of bilingual/EL learners. :-) MM

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I bring many years of teaching experience (33 this year, I think), and have lived and worked in many different communities with diverse types of people.

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I bring an open mind and patience as well as yoga knowledge! I have worked at schools K-12 that are public and private sector.

And TECH skills!!! You are clearly going to be an asset to the class, Julie. I'd like to hear more about your work in classrooms. MM

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Growing up as a first generation Mexican/American has given me the opportunity to connect with children that have similar backgrounds to mine. I am able to make connections with cultural differences, and growing up with immigrant parents. Speaking Spanish also allows me to make a greater connection with children and families.

Hola, Marisol. Encantada conocerla. Being bilingual and bicultural is certainly a rich resource. Love what you have on your cap. I know you are making your parents proud, and will pay that forward by being an excellent teacher!  MM

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her hers she Some of the things I added on the form was bilingual. I am a Spanish speaker and am confident with reading, writing, and speaking Spanish. Another strength I would love to bring into a classroom would be how family orientated I am. I would love to share family values and beliefs. Organization and structure were also on my form, I strongly value these when it comes to my career.

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Motivation, determination and enthusiasm are what I would bring to the class, which would also be reflected in my classroom.

Yes, Clara, all of those traits are essential to getting your credential, and then succeeding and thriving as a teacher. I think you have the perfect trifecta! Looking forward to getting to know more about you.  MM

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1st generation/Bilingual
I am part of a big family with different learning abilities.  The big sister role is constantly strengthened when I have had the opportunity to work with children from Tk to 12th grade. I believe I have a lot of hope for the people I meet, (seeing the potential, having the benefit of the doubt), especially if I interact with them constantly.

Hola, Cristina, y bienvenida. I agree that being a big sister has opportunities and responsibilities that shape us in important ways. And seeing the potential in others is a gift. Your students will be lucky to have you! MM

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I was raised by a single mom with four brothers. I bring the understanding of knowing the challenges that come along with being raised by one parent. I also bring patience to the classroom. Being one of five children patience is something I definitely had to practice.

What a powerful upbringing that must have been. Kudos to your mother who sounds like a strong woman. What a great model for you. Are you older or younger than your brothers? These experiences will serve you well as a teacher, Michele. MM

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Something that I feel I bring to the field of teaching is a sense of family. I come from a very close family and I feel that it is important that the students feel that way too. That's why in my classroom we call ourselves a school family. I want my students to know that they have a family who loves and cares for them outside of their home life too.

What a wonderful sentiment to share with your students--a second family where they feel safe and nourished. That is tremendous, and what we all want to build as teachers. GREAT!!! And I love the celebratory nature of this picture. MM

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She....My dad is from another country and I have always been around a lot of different types of people in all of my hobbies and I have traveled a lot to many different states and countries. This makes me feel like I'm very culturally aware and this could definitely be beneficial to the classroom.

Hi Olivia, Sounds like you have had some terrific opportunities for travel and intercultural exchange. I agree that these experiences will serve you well and enrich your teaching. MM

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I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but I have lived in three different places with three very different cultures. I believe that I can take a little bit of each place with me to my classroom. And, I am also becoming a nun. This is something that is very important to me and that affects everything I do.

Living in different places certainly helps us learn how to adapt and adjust. I'm from MI, so have a soft spot for the Midwest ;-) I look forward to getting to know you, Monica, and hearing more about the process in your becoming a nun! How exciting, and what a commitment.  MM

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When it comes to finally becoming a teacher i feel like i have a lot of values that make me suitable for the role. I have worked with a school district and alongside wonderful teachers and kids as a sub instructional aide. Like Mary said i too have a diverse background, my mom is Tunisian and my dad is Lebanese.  I feel enthusiastic about learning and cannot wait to positively influence the lives of several kiddos through my own classroom!

This is a great picture of you, Nadine. I agree that your experience working with great teachers is a wonderful foundation, as is your bicultural upbringing. What a wealth you bring to our class and your own! MM

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Something that I feel I bring to the educational field is a sense of compassion towards all of my children. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness at the age of 15 and that has helped shape who I am. I live with much more gratitude towards others and realize that every day is a gift.

Hi Megan, I am enjoying getting to know you and appreciate your demonstrated dedication to success in this class. I look forward to hearing about some of the strategies you use with your 3rd graders in this time of remote teaching. Sometimes, a diagnosis like that can bring us down, but I admire that you have let it lift you up instead. Thank you for sharing! MM